Teacher Grants

PEF Teacher Grants help inspirational teachers in every PUSD school enhance the classroom experience for their students. Grants are provided directly to educators and benefit thousands of students in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre.

Geographic Scope: Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), including Altadena and Sierra Madre

Funding History:

• 2025-26: $325,000 total awarded
• 250 educators honored for 201 projects
• 12 School-wide Grants awarded
• Additional grants for PUSD Children's Centers, Mental Health Services, Twilight Adult School, Student Wellness Department, and Health Programs
• Historically: $200,000+ annually to 125-190 educators

Focus Areas:

• Arts education
• STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
• Literacy and reading
• Sports and athletics
• Health and wellness
• Social-emotional learning (SEL)
• Classroom materials and equipment
• Professional development for teachers
• Student incentive and reward programs
• Dual language and bilingual education
• Special education

Eligible Applicants:

• PUSD teachers (K-12)
• PUSD principals and administrators
• PUSD school-wide teams

Funding Sources: College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation, Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, The Walt Disney Company, Catching Hope Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, LA2050, Ares Management, The Helen and Will Webster Foundation, and community donors

Special Awards:

• Calvin Hunt Arts Award: Promotes arts education in PUSD
• Jarratt Brunson Memorial Award for Literacy: Honors reading and early literacy initiatives
• Kathy Onoye Principal Award: Recognizes outstanding administrative leadership

Application Status (2025-26): All applications funded; applications now closed for 2025-26 cycle. Applications expected to reopen Fall 2026.

Contact:

• Phone: 626-396-3625
• Email: pef@pasedfoundation.org
• Address: 351 South Hudson Ave, Room 153, Pasadena, CA 91101

Application Process

Status: 2025-26 grant applications are closed. Applications expected to reopen Fall 2026.

How to Apply:

1. Check website for application opening (expected Fall 2026)
2. Download application form or access online portal
3. Complete detailed project proposal
4. Submit before deadline
5. Awards presented at celebration event (historically in December)

Eligible Applicants:

• Individual PUSD teachers
• PUSD administrators/principals
• School-wide teams (for School-wide Grants)

Application Components (based on 2025-26 cycle):

• Project description and objectives
• How project enhances student learning
• Budget and itemized expenses
• Teacher/principal name and school
• Grade level/subject area
• Expected student impact

Required Materials:

• Completed application form
• Budget documentation
• Project narrative

Selection Criteria:

• Innovation and creativity
• Alignment with educational goals
• Student impact and benefit
• Feasibility
• Special consideration for proposals addressing:
  • Arts education
  • Literacy and reading
  • STEM initiatives
  • Student well-being
  • Diverse learning needs

Award Decisions: PEF reviews applications and notifies awardees. Awards presented at public celebration event.